Should parents force their children to follow the ways of a culture? This is the question that I have asked many of my peers. In doing so, I have come upon various opinions that suggest both yes and no responses. Personally, I believe that children should not be forced by their parents to learn their cultural background because problems will occur. .
The first problem may arise from children becoming stressed out from the ongoing pressure their parents put on them. As Wong says (pg520)" they hated going to Chinese school and no amount of kicking, screaming,or pleading could dissuade their mother". I can understand parents wanting their children to learn about their culture, but when a child is ten years old and have moved from a different environment he/she must be able to adapt to the new area and location.People are going to be doing things differently from their cultural practices.
Children hate being forced to do anything. For example, I can remember when I was forced to stay inside rather than go outside with my friends, it was very hard for me to understand why at such an early age, and being forced to do so often made me very sad. As a result, I responded by having temper tantrums or staying angry all day with my relatives. .
Another reason that I believe children should not be forced is because forcing may lead to lack of communication between the parent and child. The child may isolate him/her self from their parents. When communication involves school, the child may have a much harder time dealing within the school environment. His classmates may even tease him about his behavior and the way he interacts with others.For example,. when I was young my classmates would tease me because my grandmother would make me wear the same pants,and old shoes to school. It was hard to communicate or interact with the other kids.
In conclusion, the lack of communication,and ongoing stress are the problems that will occur if a child is forced to learn their cultural background.